Industrial engineering is all about innovation and enhancement. These engineers come up with new ways to simplify certain procedures and industries. They also make existing products, machines and work processes safer and more efficient. Within the food industry, industrial engineers develop quality control systems to ensure food safety and overall productivity.

Careers in Food Safety

The primary concern in the food industry is food safety. Engineers working in food safety ensure that each step of the food manufacturing process is laden with safety procedures to minimize the risk of harmful materials reaching consumers. This work consists of developing step-by-step instructions on how and when certain tasks are performed in food manufacturing plants as well as the restaurant industry. Food safety engineers create sanitation and maintenance procedures for workers at all levels of food manufacturing, from janitorial staff to food packers.

Regulation and Design Work

The food industry in the United States is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and the USDA. Industrial engineers in the food industry partner with other professionals, such as building engineers, to make sure that food manufacturing plants meet federal regulatory standards. This work involves developing ways to safely store and segregate chemicals such as pesticides and cleaning solutions until they are ready for use. These engineers also advise on building design elements to help increase food safety by addressing issues like ventilation systems and employee sanitation areas, as proper structural design aids in the prevention of contamination.

Food Plant Engineering

Food plant engineers aim to increase productivity or improve current production processes. This often involves automation equipment and processes that minimize human error by using high-tech machinery, which can result in higher output and better product consistency. Automated processes can also improve food safety by eliminating or limiting cross-contamination and human-introduced errors in food selection and packaging.

Career Outlook

The food manufacturing industry is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, demand for processed food products tends to be impacted less by fluctuating economic conditions than other industries. This industry relies heavily on the expertise of industrial engineers, though according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this sector are expected to grow only by five percent from 2012 through 2022. The median annual wage for industrial engineers was $78,860 in 2012, with the lowest 10 percent bringing in under $51,180 per year and the top 10 percent earning more than $118,300 annually.

About the Author

Olivia Johnson covers issues relating to the U.S. workforce and human resources. A professional journalist since 2001, she has worked in print and broadcast media for news outlets including ABC affiliates in Tennessee and Alabama, CBS Radio News, Westwood One and public radio. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and is currently based in Tennessee.